you and bill clinton passed the first big assault weapon ban. do you believe that that was responsible for your losses in the mid-term election, which has cast a shadow on the democratic party making even today conservative democrats or moderate democrats very reluctant to embrace any kind of tough gun control laws? >> i think it was only one of many factors, fareed. others, including some with keen political mind have focused on that as a central element in the 2000 campaign. i think it was only one of many issues and i think that some have given it way too much responsibility for the result in 2000. i think that the tragedy at sandy hook school is really a watershed event that is likely to change the political discourse. i'm so hardened by the many pro-gun advocates who have said in heart felt terms, we need to make some changes. it still remains to be seen whether our political system can process this change. it's an open question and i certainly hope so and i am encouraged. >> you would say to democrats, don't run away from this. you're not